Should your beloved dog exhibit signs and symptoms associated with canine arthritis, you should seek treatment promptly without delay so as to lessens your pet's joint pain as well as adopt measures to slow or delay the progression of arthritis and if possible, help the cartilage heal.

Arthritis in dogs is associated with the deterioration of the smooth cartilage around the joints that covers and protects the bones. This degenerative joint disease is common in large-breed dogs or elderly dogs especially those that are seven years or older.

Like arthritis in humans, canine arthritis causes stiffness and swelling in the joints and muscles. The condition is similar and the pain can be very intense and unbearable. Therefore, once you notice that your dog is not walking or behaving normally, you should start to look out for any likely symptoms of canine arthritis and seek treatment.

What Are The Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs

It is not difficult to spot signs of canine arthritis in your dog. Observe your dog and note that if he is limping when walking or when he wakes up from a nap. Your dog may also start to continuously lick the affected leg or affected joint area more often. A dog that is suffering from arthritis may also sleeps more than usual and finds it difficult to sit or stand too.

The following are some of the most common symptoms of canine arthritis that you should be looking out for:

Limping or Lameness

Limping and lameness is one of the most common and elementary symptoms of dog arthritis. Favoring one or more limbs is also a sign that he is not using the one that is in pain.

Laziness

Since the dog is in pain, they tend remain inactive, preferring to sleep more. Although it might seem normal for a pet to feel lazy every now and then, you should be concerned and start to look out for other signs if your pet remains lazy for a long periods of time. If your dog's level of activity decreases noticeably, you should always consider the possibility that your dog may develop arthritis. Additionally, dogs with arthritis have no interest in playing due to their sore joints.

Diminished Muscle Tone

Some large-breed dogs have very distinguished muscle, form and build. If you notice that your dog has lost its physique all of a sudden, it could be the cause of arthritis. This is because its level of activity decreases as a result of the pain caused by inflammation at its joints. Thus, its body becomes less toned.

Change in Personality

Arthritis can cause a dog to have a change in personality. Some docile dogs can become aggressive or violent. Whenever there is a personality change in a pet, something is not right.

Fever

In some serious cases, arthritis will cause a dog to develop a fever. This is a serious sign that it may be suffering from an advanced case of arthritis. Developing a fever can be a symptom of other illnesses too, thus, it is advisable to take your pet to the veterinarian for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Arthritis in Dogs

If your dog is showing any of these above mentioned arthritis symptoms especially limping for one weeks or more, you should take him to a veterinarian for a thorough evaluation. The examination will consist of a physical examination, X-rays and possibly some blood tests might be involved.

Treatments For Dogs With Arthritis

When your dog is diagnosed with arthritis, you should work with your veterinarian to provide proper treatment to your pet. The possible treatments are:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are the most common pharmaceutical treatment for dog arthritis.
• Joint fluid modifiers are also prescribed along with NSAIDS to heal the joints.
• Exercise and diet modification to improve mobility and maintain a healthy body weight.
• Supplementing your dog's meals with glucosamine and vitamins.